CHANDIGARH | Pen of Democracy News Desk

A remarkable display of devotion, family values and selfless service touched the hearts of devotees and passers-by at Kalanaur checkpoint in Yamunanagar during the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. Two young men from Patiala, Punjab, were seen carrying their 102-year-old grandmother, Sunheri Devi, in a specially designed palanquin after taking her on a pilgrimage to Haridwar. The duo is now returning home on foot with holy Gangajal from Har Ki Pauri, covering nearly 300 kilometres while carrying the palanquin on their shoulders.

Sunheri Devi is accompanied by her grandson Simran and her 17-year-old great-grandson Virat. As the unique Kanwar procession reached Kalanaur, many devotees stopped to witness the inspiring sight, offering prayers, blessings and words of appreciation. Several people also sought the blessings of the elderly woman.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Sunheri Devi said she had never imagined that she would get an opportunity to visit Haridwar at this stage of her life. She expressed pride in her grandson and great-grandson for their devotion and prayed that every family be blessed with children who uphold such values of love, respect and service.

Simran said the journey was inspired by his father’s long-standing dream of following the example of the legendary Shravan Kumar by taking the family’s elderly mother on a pilgrimage in a palanquin. After performing rituals and taking a holy dip in the Ganga at Haridwar, they are now returning to Patiala carrying the sacred water.

Virat, a resident of Sangrur, said it was a privilege to be part of the spiritual journey. He added that the palanquin was specially designed to ensure maximum comfort and safety for his great-grandmother throughout the pilgrimage.

The extraordinary act of devotion has drawn admiration from people all along the route, with the Yamunanagar stop becoming a symbol of family values, faith and respect for elders.

YAMUNANAGAR | Pen of Democracy News Desk

A case of alleged illegal felling of khair trees and timber smuggling has surfaced in the Kalesar forest area of Yamunanagar district. Acting on a tip-off, the Forest Department attempted to intercept a vehicle allegedly carrying illegally cut timber, but the accused managed to flee. The department has alleged that one of the suspects deliberately blocked the official vehicle with a motorcycle, allowing the timber-laden car to escape.

Based on the Forest Department’s complaint, Pratap Nagar Police have registered an FIR against three named accused and initiated an investigation.

According to Wildlife Inspector Rajbir, six khair trees had recently been illegally felled near village Chikkan under the Dadapur Beat area. During the investigation, officials received information that the timber had been concealed inside a house in the village and would later be transported in a car for sale.

Acting on the intelligence, the Forest Department deployed a surveillance team in the area. Soon afterwards, a white car matching the description was spotted. Officials signalled the driver to stop, but he allegedly sped away, prompting a chase by the department’s vehicle.

The Forest Department alleged that during the pursuit, one of the accused rode a motorcycle in front of the official vehicle and intentionally blocked its path, enabling the timber-laden car to escape. The complaint further stated that the accused misbehaved with forest officials and allegedly threatened them with dire consequences if they entered the village again.

Following the complaint, Pratap Nagar Police registered a case against Aslam, Mursaleen and Zakir under relevant provisions of law. A joint team of the police and the Forest Department has launched efforts to trace the absconding accused and recover the illegally felled timber.

Officials said the investigation is continuing and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence collected.

POD/DESK